This originated with me sending regular emails to my close friends and family on environmental issues and changes which could ‘green’ their lifestyle. The group has unintentionally grown quickly as friends of friends ask to join. The EcoEmails don’t always give people an easy solution to a problem but try to make them aware that every decision they make has environmental and sustainability consequences. If you would like to join pls email me at muffinkimber@gmail.com

Rechargeable Batteries are better for the env’ but a pain to recharge…
These are good coz they charge in a USB socket which are two a penny these days.
A couple of minutes of charge usually lasts a few hours.

It is estimated that we currently use 10 BILLION DISPOSABLE PLATES IN THE UK EVERY YEAR…
And making paper is very energy intensive as the paper has to be pulped and requires lots of chemicals…

BUT

These plates and bowls are disposable plates but way better than paper…
They use the leaves which have fallen off palm trees in India and simply heat press them in to the shape of a plate…

I got some and they are great for the summer for picnics.
They last longer than paper plates coz you can wash them… so you can use them a few times.
They take minimal energy to make as all they need is to be heat pressed.
They also don’t use any chemicals… but the heat sterilises the plates.
The plates are then biodegradable when you have finished with them (or you can feed them to cows!)
So if you use paper plates much or you do at work get these they are great!

To reduce rolling resistance:
Fill tires to their maximum inflation pressure- (the higher the pressure the less surface area in contact with the road and therefore the less resistance)
The negative side to this is to fill the tyres with too much air,and the life of the tyre will be reduced because it will wear out in the middle of the tread so you need a to check the recommended pressure
This will probably increase overall efficiency by about 5-10 percent

To reduce air resistance:
Roof racks on the car, this can effect the resistance a surprising amount so take them off when not in use
A shark fin low profile type aerial is more efficient than a stalk aerial. Taking these off will increase overall efficiency by probably 5%

Slow with gears:
Slow down with gears rather than breaks, because apparently modern IC engines use NO fuel when doing this this saves petrol

Acceleration:
The slower you accelerate the less fuel you burn

Speed:
Double your speed, you quadruple your drag due to air resistance

The chart tells you when produce is in season, when it is in storage and when it is available but carries higher production costs, for example, when soft fruit is grown under glass.
Best probably to print it out and then keep as reference…